A short ten-minute walk from Tsuta Onsen, Tsutanuma is a pond ringed by natural beech forest that draws visitors for its scenery in every season. Its autumn highlight, a rare phenomenon known as the "Tsutanuma sunrise," which appears only under specific weather conditions, has become especially popular. During the autumn foliage season, though, the surrounding area faces a growing set of challenges from the surge in visitors, including congestion and disputes near the pond, damage to vegetation, and traffic jams and illegal roadside parking.
To help protect Tsutanuma while addressing these issues, the Towada Lake Area Traffic Congestion Countermeasures Council has introduced an early-morning reservation system with a cooperation fee to manage visitor numbers, along with on-site staff to ease crowding on the observation deck and on the surrounding roads. For 2026, entry to the Tsutanuma Observation Deck will again be restricted from Friday, October 23 to Tuesday, November 3 (a public holiday). Visitors are asked to pay the traffic and environmental cooperation fee and to reserve early-morning entry in advance.
For Early-Morning Visitors
During the early-morning hours of the restriction period, entry to the Tsutanuma Observation Deck is reservation-only, with a cap on the number of visitors admitted. Entry also requires advance payment of the traffic and environmental cooperation fee. Visitors wishing to come during this window are asked to reserve and pay online in advance.
Period and hours
October 23 (Fri) to November 3 (Tue, holiday), 2026
5:00 AM to 7:30 AM
Cooperation fee
¥2,000 per person
An additional fee applies for those arriving by car or motorcycle:
Car: ¥2,000 per vehicle
Motorcycle: ¥1,000 per vehicle
Reservations and payment
Online only
Deadline: by 10:00 AM the day before the visit
Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until spots are filled. Canceled spots are released for booking again as they become available.
Notes
- Each reservation covers up to 8 people and one car or motorcycle per group. Bookings for larger groups or tour parties are not accepted.
- Only standard passenger cars, compact cars, and kei cars may enter. Vehicles over 6 meters in length are not permitted.
- The gate opens at 4:50 AM. No entry is allowed between 8:00 PM the previous day and 4:50 AM, and parking is not available during that window except for guests staying at Tsuta Onsen.
- Those staying at Tsuta Onsen during the restriction period should contact their accommodation directly.
- Visitors with a confirmed reservation can find further guidance at the following link: Reservation guide (PDF)
For Daytime Visitors
During daytime hours in the restriction period, cars, motorcycles, and buses entering the area are required to pay the traffic and environmental cooperation fee.
Period and hours
October 23 (Fri) to November 3 (Tue, holiday), 2026
7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Cooperation fee
Car: ¥2,000 per vehicle
Motorcycle: ¥1,000 per vehicle
Bus: ¥10,000 per vehicle
Payment
Cash only, on site
Notes
- Reservations are not accepted for daytime entry. If parking is full, visitors may need to return at a later time.
- Buses cannot park in the area. Drivers should pay the cooperation fee while dropping off passengers and then move on.
For Those Traveling Between Aomori City and Oirase Gorge
During the autumn foliage season, part of National Route 103 leading to Tsutanuma is expected to be congested. Travelers heading between Aomori City and Oirase Gorge can use the detour via the Towada City road known as the Yunodai Kogen Line.
